Equinor and Polenergia launch a temporary compensation system for fishermen regarding the construction of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms

In September, Equinor and Polenergia are launching a call for applications for temporary compensation system for fishermen operating in the construction areas of offshore wind farms Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3. The investors are organizing special meetings in Łeba, Ustka, and Jarosławiec, during which company representatives will explain the rules of the compensation mechanism and help fishermen fill out application forms.

The companies responsible for the construction of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms have proposed a temporary compensation mechanism for the fishing community. The system will apply throughout the entire construction period of the offshore wind farms or until the introduction of national legislation providing a framework for all investors developing projects in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea.

While working on the compensation mechanism, Equinor and Polenergia maintained an open dialogue with representatives of the fishing community and local communities. During regular information and consultation meetings, the investors gathered opinions and suggestions that helped to develop the current rules. They are now inviting the fishing community to meetings where they will explain the conditions for applying for compensation, present the application schedule, and help eligible vessel owners fill out their applications. The meetings will take place between September 22 and 24 in Łeba, Ustka, and Jarosławiec.

Eligible for compensations are:

• Owners of commercial fishing vessels who conducted fishing activities between 2018 and 2024 in the areas of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farm projects, i.e., in fishing squares: L5, L6, L7, L8, M7, M8, N7, N8;
• Owners of commercial fishing vessels registered and based in the ports of Jarosławiec, Ustka, Rowy, or Łeba, even if they do not have documented fishing history in fishing squares: L5, L6, L7, L8, M7, M8, N7, N8;
• Owners of recreational angling vessels who operated fishing trips between 2018 and 2024 from the ports of Darłowo, Ustka, Łeba, or Władysławowo.

The first call for applications, which begins on the 22^nd of September 2025, and will last until the end of December 2025, will cover a period of 9.5 months of 2025 (i.e., from the 15^th of March 2025). In subsequent years, vessel owners will be able to submit applications at the beginning of the year to apply for compensation for the given year in advance.

The amount of compensation for commercial vessels depends on the size of the vessel and amounts to PLN 75,200 per year in the first round. In the case of recreational fishing vessels, the investor has provided for one-off compensation of PLN 38,500 for vessel owners from the ports of Darłowo and Władysławowo and PLN 57,750 for shipowners from the ports of Łeba and Ustka.

More information on the temporary compensation systemcan be found at: https://baltyk123.pl/en/for-community/compensations-for-fishermen/.

Dates and locations of upcoming meetings::